Dear Queenie,
My parents have been divorced since I was little and every time I can remember them being in the same room with each other it ended in a shouting match, so the family started having two separate parties for every holiday and family event.
Now my 21st birthday is coming up and both of my parents have suggested that they would like to co-host a party for me, but I’m afraid it would end in another loud quarrel.
Queenie, would this be a good idea?—Frustrated daughter
Dear Daughter,
As a test, why not suggest that the three of you (and their respective spouses/partners, if any) get together to plan the party? If they refuse to do so, there is your answer. And if they do get together to make plans and things end up in another “shouting match,” again, there is your answer.
Look at the bright side: If they cannot cooperate on this one occasion, you will get to have a double celebration.
